Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala, is located at the southern tip of India, known for its beaches and temples. Mysore, in Karnataka, is famous for its palaces and rich cultural heritage. Many travelers journey between these two cities for tourism, business, or education.

This guide explains the main transport options from Trivandrum to Mysore, including trains, buses, cars, and flights. You will learn about travel times, fares, and practical tips to make your trip comfortable and hassle-free.

Getting from Trivandrum to Mysore – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and economical choice for this route. Trivandrum Central and Mysore Junction are well connected by several trains daily, offering a comfortable journey through scenic landscapes.

• The direct trains from Trivandrum Central (TVC) to Mysore Junction (MYS) cover around 420 km in approximately 9 to 11 hours, depending on the service chosen, with fares ranging from INR 300 to 900 for sleeper and AC classes.

• Popular trains include the Trivandrum-Mysore Express and the Intercity Express, which run daily or on alternate days, providing reliable options for different travel times.

• Train travel offers sleeper and AC coaches, allowing you to choose comfort levels; booking through IRCTC or authorized agents is recommended to secure seats in advance, especially during festivals.

• Trains can be crowded during holiday seasons like Onam and Christmas, so booking early is essential; the route passes through Kerala and Karnataka’s scenic Western Ghats, offering pleasant views.

• Station facilities at Trivandrum Central and Mysore Junction include waiting rooms, food stalls, and prepaid taxi counters, making boarding and arrival convenient for travelers.

Bus

Buses are a flexible and affordable option, with many government and private operators running services between Trivandrum and Mysore. This mode suits budget travelers and those who prefer direct road travel.

• Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) operate daily buses from Trivandrum Central Bus Station to Mysore’s City Bus Stand, covering about 420 km in 10 to 12 hours.

• Bus types include ordinary, deluxe, and Volvo AC coaches, with fares ranging from INR 400 to 900, depending on the service and comfort level chosen.

• Night buses are popular for saving daytime and accommodation costs, but roads can be busy during weekends and festival periods, causing delays.

• Major highways used are NH 766 and NH 275, passing through towns like Sulthan Bathery and Gundlupet, with several rest stops offering local food and tea stalls.

• Booking tickets online via KSRTC or private operators’ websites is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons to avoid last-minute hassles.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Trivandrum to Mysore offers flexibility and the chance to explore en route. The journey covers about 420 km via NH 766 and NH 275, taking roughly 8 to 10 hours depending on traffic and stops.

• The route passes through scenic Western Ghats, including Wayanad and Bandipur National Park areas, so plan for wildlife crossings and possible speed restrictions.

• Toll plazas are present on NH 766 and NH 275; expect to pay around INR 200 to 400 in tolls one way, so keep cash or FASTag ready.

• Fuel stations and eateries are available along the highway, especially near towns like Kalpetta and Gundlupet, making it convenient for breaks and refreshments.

• Driving in monsoon season (June to September) requires caution due to slippery roads and occasional landslides in the ghats; check weather updates before starting.

• Car rentals with drivers are available in Trivandrum if you prefer not to self-drive; booking through reputed agencies or apps like Ola Outstation ensures safety and reliability.

Flight

There is no direct flight between Trivandrum and Mysore, but you can fly to nearby airports and continue by road. This option suits travelers looking to save time on long road or rail journeys.

• Trivandrum International Airport (TRV) has frequent flights to Bangalore’s Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), about 150 km from Mysore, with flight times around 1 hour.

• From Bangalore airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Mysore, which takes about 3 to 4 hours by road, covering approximately 150 km.

• Flight fares vary widely, typically INR 2,000 to 5,000 one way, depending on booking time and airline; booking early can secure better deals.

• Consider flight timings carefully to avoid late-night arrivals in Bangalore, as public transport options reduce after 10 pm, making prepaid taxis or app cabs necessary.

• This option is more expensive but saves time compared to direct road or rail travel, especially for business travelers or those with limited time.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan helps first-time travelers from Trivandrum to Mysore prepare and execute their journey smoothly, covering booking, travel, and arrival tips.

• Check train and bus schedules online via IRCTC and KSRTC websites to find suitable departure times and seat availability; early booking is crucial during festivals and holidays.

• Pack light but carry essentials like water, snacks, and a power bank, especially for long bus or train journeys where food options may be limited or crowded.

• Arrive at Trivandrum Central railway station or bus stand at least 30 minutes before departure to avoid last-minute rush and find your platform or bus easily.

• If driving, plan your route using GPS apps like Google Maps and check for live traffic updates; start early in the morning to avoid city traffic and reach Mysore before dark.

• Upon arrival in Mysore, use prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber for safe and fair local transport to your accommodation or next destination.

• Keep a printed or digital copy of your ticket or booking confirmation handy for verification during travel and at checkpoints, especially on buses and trains.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always use prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs at stations to avoid overcharging and ensure safety when arriving in Mysore or Trivandrum.

• Carry a reusable water bottle and drink only bottled or boiled water to avoid stomach issues common among travelers in India.

• Book train and bus tickets at least 7 to 10 days in advance during peak seasons like Onam, Christmas, and summer holidays to secure your seat.

• Use local autorickshaws for short distances but agree on the fare beforehand or insist on using the meter to avoid misunderstandings.

• Pack light and keep valuables like passports, tickets, and wallets in a secure, easily accessible place during travel to prevent theft or loss.

• During monsoon, check weather and road conditions before traveling by road, as landslides and flooding can cause delays or route changes.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Trivandrum to Mysore is during the cooler months from October to March, when weather is pleasant and roads are safer. Avoid monsoon months due to heavy rains and possible roadblocks.

Peak travel times include festival seasons and school holidays, when trains and buses are crowded, and fares may rise. Planning your trip outside these periods ensures a smoother journey.

• Avoid traveling during Onam (August-September) and Christmas-New Year periods, as transport services are heavily booked and crowded.

• Monsoon season (June to September) can cause delays on NH 766 due to landslides and slippery roads, especially in the Western Ghats region.

• Early morning departures are recommended to avoid city traffic in Trivandrum and to reach Mysore before nightfall, improving safety and convenience.

• Winter months (December-January) may have early morning fog in some parts of the route, so allow extra travel time if driving or taking buses.

Arrival at Mysore & What to Expect

When you arrive at Mysore Junction railway station or the city bus stand, you will find prepaid taxi counters and app-based cab services like Ola and Uber readily available. These are the safest and most reliable options to reach your accommodation.

Mysore city has good local transport, including auto-rickshaws and city buses. Popular areas to stay include the city center near the palace, Devaraja Market, and the Vijayanagar locality, all well connected by road.

Conclusion

Traveling from Trivandrum to Mysore is convenient with several options to suit different budgets and preferences. Trains offer a comfortable and scenic journey, while buses provide affordable and frequent services. Driving gives flexibility, and flights via Bangalore save time for those willing to pay more.

Plan your trip by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and choosing transport modes based on your comfort and schedule. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a smooth and pleasant journey between these two culturally rich cities.